Potato Review

www. tongengineering .com e: sales@tongengineering.com t: +44 (0)1790 752771 > Gentle Handling > Advanced Design > Intelligent Control INNOVATIVE DESIGN FROM FARM TO PACK TURNKEY PROCESSING SOLUTIONS OPTICAL SORTING IN-FIELD & ON-FARM UNRIVALLEDCLEANING&GRADING ADVANCED BOX HANDLING WASHING & POLISHING THE COMPLETE SOLUTION Designed with you in mind SEED H YBRID breeding, the transformation of food systems and the Netherlands as a breeding ground for seed potatoes were the themes of a broadcast examining how the potato sector can significantly contribute to a sustainable food supply worldwide. HZPC broadcast the programme during Potato Days 2021 Live, with participants from the international potato world joining online from 90 countries. More than 1,000 participants from Asia, Africa, South America, North America and Europe were connected during Potato Days 2021. The future of seed potato cultivation starts by posing some urgent questions: How do we feed the rapidly growing world population? And how can we do so in a responsible and sustainable way in our sector? These are the subjects HZPC discussed with its partners as part of an interactive live programme with panel guests and speakers, broadcasted from HZPC’s research facility in Metslawier in the north of the Netherlands. Guests included Peter Berghuis (LTO), Romain Cools (World Potato Congress) and Jasper Spikker (Agriterra), who spoke about How hybrids can save the day Potato innovations in the fight against hunger and climate change discussed at global broadcast. how both the value of local cultivation and the role of the Netherlands as a breeding ground for healthy seed potatoes. Special attention was paid to hybrid breeding during Potato Days which is felt makes faster and more sustainable progress within the package of varieties. The effect of hybrid potatoes in the food industry was discussed, while a chef cooked live with the hybrid potatoes during the show. Keynote speaker Martin Kropff (CGIAR) outlined the importance of transforming food systems and explained the potential role of the potato. His organisation is working on system transformations in food, land and water use, and Martin sees potatoes as one of the solutions to fight hunger. “By 2050, we will be living on a planet with twice as many citizens, half as much space to grow food and the need for a varied nutritious diet,” he said. “Per hectare, potatoes can produce more food under the right conditions. In addition, potatoes provide more variety in the diet, which helps us combat malnutrition.” Gerard Backx, CEO of HZPC, opened the Potato Days together with host Emmelie Zipson. He said: “We want to contribute “With hybrid potato breeding you don’t have to guess, you go to the core, the DNA.” Ad Vrolijk, Project Leader, HZPC HZPC varieties on show.